Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) engaged Adriana Berry, assistant principal at Northwest Middle School, in a discussion about National Hispanic Heritage Month and its significance to her. The month-long celebration, from September 15 to October 15, honors the contributions of Hispanic Americans to U.S. history and culture.

Berry is in her first year as assistant principal at Northwest. She is the daughter of migrant farm workers who moved between Michigan and Florida based on the season. Her experiences highlighted educational disparities across states, which fueled her commitment to ensuring equitable support for all students.

When asked how her Latino/Hispanic heritage influences her leadership in K-12 education, Berry said: "Coming from a Hispanic heritage has significantly shaped my leadership approach to education. As an English language learner, I understand students’ unique challenges and the importance of providing the services they are legally entitled to receive."

She expressed pride in her heritage's sense of unity and daily celebrations: "We don’t see boundaries as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for creative problem-solving."

Berry incorporates her heritage into school culture by sharing experiences and encouraging others to do the same: "This creates a rich, inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters mutual understanding where we can grow and learn from one another."

Heritage plays a crucial role in Berry's personal and professional life: "My heritage is an integral part of my identity. It instills a sense of pride and a solutions-oriented mindset."

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at school, Berry highlights its significance through activities like reading about influential Hispanic figures: "We read about influential Hispanic individuals and incorporate these narratives into writing assignments."